RIYADH: Roberto Mancini has stepped down from his position as head coach of Saudi Arabia’s national soccer team by mutual consent, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced. Mancini, who took on the role in August 2023, just weeks after leaving his post as Italy’s national team manager, concluded his tenure after an unsuccessful Asian Cup campaign.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Mancini’s departure comes after Saudi Arabia’s early exit from the Asian Cup, where the team was eliminated in the round of 16. Mancini’s appointment to the Saudi national team followed a celebrated career in European soccer, where he managed top clubs such as Inter Milan and Manchester City. As a manager, he achieved notable success, including three Italian league titles with Inter Milan and a memorable Premier League victory with Manchester City in 2013, marked by Sergio Aguero’s decisive last-minute goal.

Mancini’s coaching accolades also include leading Italy to victory at the 2021 European Championship. Despite the
se accomplishments, his brief stint with Saudi Arabia did not replicate the same level of success, culminating in his recent departure. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has yet to announce who will succeed Mancini as head coach.